Bleating Hearts

Subtitled 'the hidden world of animal suffering', this is a book of immense scope, as comprehensive as it is hard-hitting and disturbing. It is the sequel to the author's previous practical guide to animal activism and raises profound ethical issues about the relationship between humans and animals. As one might expect, it has been widely and unstintingly praised by other writers in the field and is a 'must read for anyone who cares about animals, humanity or justice.' Although the book begins with animals used for food, it covers a vast range of issues including fashion, animal testing, the persecution of wild animals, animals used in sport and entertainment, animals used as sacrificial victims and in art, working animals and sexual assault on animals. Each chapter contains a wealth of detail and a resource section at the end telling people what they can do if they wanted to take action. Readers will be amazed at the diversity of initiatives flagged up. Some issues like the illicit trade in ivory have been exacerbated by extinctions and consequent rising prices. In the late 1960s, Ivory was $5.50 a kilo, rising to $300 20 years later. Animal testing is a highly contentious issue and the current tally of animals used in one year is over 115 million. The final chapter brings together six activist authors to engage with some profound questions relating to animal suffering and the lack of concern then the public at large. Most of the experts think that things are getting better, but there is a long way to go and books like this can help raise awareness. There are 100 pages of notes at the end, and it is to be hoped that the author might consider a shorter version for people with less stamina than himself.